Definition: After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 19:21. It's a really interesting and complex statement about Paul’s journey! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul was planning to travel to Jerusalem, but he felt he needed to see Rome. Let’s unpack that a bit: “After these things were ended…” : This is a way of saying “as a result of” or “following this.” It's like saying "This happened after something else." “…Paul purposed in the spirit…” : "Purposed" means to plan or decide. “In the spirit” means he was doing it with faith and conviction, not just thinking about it. “…when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia...” : This tells us where Paul was when he made this decision. He’d been traveling in the region of Macedonia (a large part of Greece) and then to the area around Athens (Achaia – now part of Greece). "...to go to Jerusalem…” : Paul wanted to return to Jerusalem, which was a very important religious center for Christians. “saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” : This is the key part! He was thinking that because he’d traveled to Jerusalem and Achaia, he needed to go to Rome (the capital of the Roman Empire). He felt a strong need to visit Rome as a result of his travels. So, what's the big deal? This verse is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in several ways over time. It suggests that Paul was grappling with a difficult situation – perhaps he’d made a mistake or experienced something that made him feel he needed to see Rome as a way to seek forgiveness or understanding. It's important to note: The exact meaning of this verse is still debated by scholars today, and there’s no single, definitive explanation. It’s a powerful passage that highlights Paul's desire for redemption and his willingness to travel to the most important place for Christians. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Paul’s life?